Aldi back on track for construction

The Aldi discount grocery store slated for 27th and East Carson streets is back on track and about to break ground for construction.

Brent Laubaugh, vice president of Aldi's Saxonburg division, said the project was held up in the City of Pittsburgh zoning process but is now set to "move dirt" this fall. The design of the 18,000 square foot store, which is slightly larger than a new Walgreens or Rite Aid store, remains the same as when South Side residents viewed the plans last fall at the South Side Planning Forum.

Although there are more than 1,100 Aldi stores in the country and several in the greater Pittsburgh area, the store will be the company's first located within the city limits. Mr. Laubaugh said the store will carry the same product line as their other stores: 1,400 of the most popular grocery items; 50 of the most popular seasonal produce items; and, a full selection of bakery and dairy products.

Although the store will front on East Carson Street, vehicles will enter the parking lot from S. 27th Street. There will be parking for 58 cars and 30 bikes and off-site spaces for 15 employees. Trucks will enter the property from Sarah Street.

The store should be completed in late spring of 2012, depending on the winter construction season, according to Mr. Laubaugh.